feigned 1 of 2

adjective

ˈfānd How to pronounce feigned (audio)
Definition of feignednext
1
as in mock
lacking in natural or spontaneous quality the feigned applause that polite people give after a bad concert

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in fake
not being or expressing what one appears to be or express the feigned looks of innocence I got when I asked who had broken the lamp

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

feigned

2 of 2

verb

past tense of feign
as in pretended
to present a false appearance of I would never feign illness just to get out of a test

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of feigned
Adjective
The scam operations typically involve bogus investment schemes and feigned romances that collectively extort tens of billions of dollars from victims around the world every year. — ABC News, 30 Mar. 2026 That leaves only the feigned feud between Paul and Gronkowski — Brady’s longtime pal and New England Patriots teammate. — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2026
Verb
Bohm then feigned a throw toward first before pulling the ball in, turning and throwing to second. — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 June 2026 Whenever the real Rhodes was bludgeoned in the ring (his injuries themselves feigned as part of pro wrestling’s playacting), the fake one came to Theresa with his medical bills. — Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 26 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for feigned
Recent Examples of Synonyms for feigned
  1. mock
  2. fake
  3. pretended
  4. strained
  5. double
  6. assumed
  7. false
  8. lip
Adjective
  • The outfit consisted of a sleeveless, mock-neck blouse in mocha-brown, tucked into a tawny suede skirt that hit just above her ankles.
    — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Mirroring the look of King’s footwear, Osaka sported a metallic silver pleated top with a mock neckline and no sleeves.
    — Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of mock
Adjective
  • Jump scares, dudes with chainsaws, fake blood and adult drinks accentuated with gummy worms.
    — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Days later, Britain’s AI Security Institute said that Anthropic’s most advanced AI model had used fake identities to cover its tracks and attempt to plant malicious code during testing.
    — Anna Cooban, CNN Money, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of fake
Verb
  • One, a 35-year-old man, pretended to be a San Francisco 49ers player or a wealthy real estate investor, the Department of Justice said.
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Once upon a time, Republicans understood this, or at least pretended to.
    — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of pretended
Adjective
  • The second of four children, Cusk had a strained relationship with her parents.
    — René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Sep. 2026
  • His injuries also included a strained AC joint in his shoulder and abrasions on his face, the affidavit states.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of strained
Adjective
  • The black walnut double staircase in the center hall foyer has carved lions.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The formula includes lactic acid, a chemical exfoliator that breaks down dead skin, for a double dose of skin-smoothing power.
    — Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of double
Verb
  • The machinery switches on earlier than long assumed, as brain scans of infants reveal.
    — Andrea Gawrylewski, Scientific American, 1 Sep. 2026
  • For the latter, establish what is known, what is assumed, what still needs to be understood and what requires testing.
    — Mustafa Shreet, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of assumed
Adjective
  • The lawsuit filed by two former employees contains allegations that are false, misleading, and unsupported by credible evidence.
    — Devon Henderson, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Zucker provided false and misleading statements to investigators, according to a summary of findings released Wednesday.
    — Dan Mangan, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of false
Adjective
  • Likewise, lip masks designed to be worn overnight can provide improved hydration and comfort over daytime treatments.
    — Caroline Reilly, Forbes.com, 25 Mar. 2026
  • On the opposite end of the spectrum, Tatianna points to cinnamon as a conductor of heat—one commonly used in lip plumper products to achieve a sultry pout.
    — Essence, Essence, 23 Nov. 2025
Definition of lip

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Cite this Entry

“Feigned.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/feigned. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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